Legislative Session Coverage

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – Two months ago, utility regulators OK’d an increased in how much you’ll pay for FPL services. Now the state lawyer who represents utility customers said Thursday he will challenge the decision in the Florida Supreme Court.

The News Service of Florida reports State Public Counsel J.R. Kelly’s office filed a notice that is the first step in appealing the rate increase approved by the Florida Public Service Commission. FPL received a $350 million increase that took effect in January and also will be able to raise rates when three new power plants start operating.

The dispute focuses on a settlement that FPL reached in August with groups of major power users. That settlement, which did not include the Office of Public Counsel, served as the basis for the rate hike approved by regulators in December.